April and Nick February 8, 2020
Smoky Mountain Vow Renewals
Smoky Mountain vow renewals are magical, but this one is a little more magical than most.
If you’ve followed us for a while, you may know that we lost my mother in May of 2018 to cancer that had spread to her brain. I won’t go into details, but the struggles involved with taking care of someone with brain cancer are fairly unique and difficult both emotionally and physically—much less being the person actually experiencing it. Sometimes it can be really isolating when even your closest friends don’t understand what you’re going through and don’t understand how to be there for you.
April contacted me on behalf of her and her husband Nicholas a couple of months ago. Her husband of over 8 years was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given only a few months to live even with treatments. They had planned on having a 10 year vow renewal to celebrate their relationship with their children and families, but circumstances moved up their timeline. This sweet family is facing the reality of soon living without their husband/father, and they are trying to make every moment count.
I know how wonderful it was for us to have the help for mom to complete some of the items on her bucket list so we helped to put together a vow renewal for February 8th to allow them to celebrate their love while Nicholas would still be able to enjoy it. The fabulous wedding pros listed below are donating or discounting their time and services to help make this a reality.
Along with this craziness, this special couple are still trying to pay for treatments and live, and it’s a very difficult time. I know how amazing our couples are, and I entreat you to offer your aid in whatever way you can to this sweet family. Even just sharing the post to help get this out there for them could make a big difference. You can follow their story on YouTube and their Facebook page Team Ranew – Nicholas’ fight where they detail what’s happening in their lives and have links to donate.
It snowed the morning of the 8th adding an extra bit of loveliness to the forest, and though there were still some signs of the rains and flooding, April and Nick had a beautiful backdrop for such a special day. I won’t deny I cried a bit (thankfully less than I thought I would). It was beautiful and emotional.
Nick was sweet and funny, and I’m thankful for the chance to get to meet him and April and to see such an amazing love in person. April looked stunning with her hair and makeup expertly applied by Southern Sirens, and that dress was a perfect complement to her beauty. Their friend presided over their vow renewal, and Nick repeated the vows he made to April over eight years ago before saying his new ones. The florals from Melissa Timm Designs were lush and gorgeous with a delicate feel, and Lindsay with Custom Love brought everything together seamlessly.The video recap by Austin from Yugen Productions captured all of the amazingness so we can relive the moments!
Thank you again to all of the amazing wedding pros willing to donate their time and expertise to help make this a reality. Again, to those of you who can donate to help this amazing couple during this difficult time, please do! Pay it forward, and help make the world a little brighter. You can find them at Team Ranew – Nicholas’ fight. If you aren’t in a position to be able to help monetarily, please share and help them get in front of someone who can. #TeamRanew all the way!!
From the Bride:
We actually met when we were 13. His brother introduced us after we both attended a summer camp. I feel very lucky to have met him so early in life. We were friends first & then dated briefly in college. We lost touch for some years before reconnecting thanks to his brother, yet again. His brother & I ended up working for the same company which prompted me to look him up on Facebook when fb was becoming popular.
Hair and Makeup: Southern Sirens
Florals: Melissa Timm Designs
Coordination: Custom Love Gifts, Events & Prints
Videography: Yugen Productions
Photography: Star Noir Studio
Venue: Chapel in the Hollow
Lodging: Grand Smokies Event Center
Smoky Mountain vow renewals are magical — are you ready to start planning yours?? Pricing is the same as our wedding packages, and you can find all of the info here. Wanting to save a few dollars to put toward a second honeymoon?? We offer discounted weekday pricing. Check out our calendar to see our availability.